NCAAF Week 10 ATS Hit List: Calm before the Storm

The first College Football Playoff rankings -- such as they are -- get their first showing of the season this coming Tue 5 Nov, which obviously creates a bit of a stir in some quarters.

Whether or not it's by coincidence, a few of the big dogs expecting to appear at the top of the list are among nine Top 25 teams taking this weekend off.

 

Yes, schedules are planned well in advance, but the BCS/CFP scenarios have been around for long enough, now, so Week 10 apparently has that sorta effect.

There are still a couple of big-impact matches on the slate, and we've got our inclinations as to how to convert those results into a bitta beer money.

 

We don't necessarily pick the big games because they're the big games, but this weekend, three that may have a significant impact on the CFP scene are on our ATS list.

As always, remember that the lines are always changing, and our recommendations are based on the early postings. If you feel inclined to go along with any of these suggestions, check the current number before making any final decisions.

 

Michigan -16½ at Maryland

Ever since their embarrassing loss to Wisconsin early in the season, the Wolverines have played great football. Even the 28-21 loss to Penn State wasn’t awful.

Charles Xavier’s favorite X-Men should dominate the Turtles. Maryland is just a bad football team. Michigan could win by over 30.

Result: Michigan 38 Maryland 7 ... Wolverines cover

 

Virginia Tech at Notre Dame -16½

After getting slapped around by the Wolverines in Ann Arbor in Week 9, the Fighting Irish have a chance to bounce back with a big win and cover against the mediocre Hokies.

Notre Dame had no fight in them against Michigan. They should have a ton of it in them this week. As in about a three-TD spread more.

Result: Notre Dame 21 Virginia Tech 20 ... Hokies cover

 

Georgia at Florida +6½

It’s difficult to understand why Georgia's favored in this matchup. The Bulldogs have no passing attack, and the defense isn’t as good as advertised.

The Gators should win this one straight up. Why not take the points?

Result: Georgia 24 Florida 17 ... Bulldogs cover

 

Oregon State at Arizona -7

Arizona doesn’t cover a lot of football games. However, their defense should handle a Beaver offense that -- although better this year than last -- won’t stand up to an improved Wildcats squad at home.

Oregon State had a bye last weekend, but this is still their second straight road game. 'Zona will Bear Down.

Result: Oregon State 56 Arizona 38 ... Beavers cover

 

Ole Miss at Auburn -16

The Rebels won’t know what hit them in this game.

Auburn played fantastic in a close loss to LSU in Week 9. The Tigers know they had a shot at upsetting Joe Burrow and LSU. They’ll take out their frustrations here. Auburn, big time.

Result: Auburn 20 Mississippi 14 ... Rebels cover

 

Rutgers at Illinois -21

Rutgers paid Liberty $1million for a visit and wound up being the underdog. At least they avoided more indignity by beating the Flames.

Unfortunately, they won’t make it two in a row because the Illini are much, much better than the Scarlet Knights. Jump on this spread before Illini backers drive it up 4 to 6 points.

Result: Illinois 38 Rutgers 10 ... Illini cover

 

Utah at Washington +3½

The Utes have crushed three straight opponents -- California, Arizona State and Oregon State -- but all of them have mediocre to awful offenses.

Not only do the Huskies have a capable offense, they're coming off a bye while Utah is playing a fourth straight week. Look for Washington to have cleaned up a few inconsistencies and win straight up.

Result: Utah 33 Washington 28 ... Utes cover

 

Oregon at USC +5

Surprisingly, Trojans QB Kedon Slovis has been far more explosive and slightly more efficient than Duck chucker Justin Herbert, so it’s hard to swallow the narrative that the Ducks have an offensive advantage.

Don’t be surprised if this line closes at 3, more in line with where it should be. Take the points while they're available.

Result: Oregon 56 USC 24 ... Ducks cover

 

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Sportbet Columnist: Josh Bailey ... Today: 2-6

Aspiring to become the Mark Twain of sportswriting, Josh has been labelled as the up-&-coming sportswriter of the year by absolutely nobody and the new heavy hitter in sports handicapping by his mother.